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Hearty Kielbasa Bean Stew

kielbasa bean stew - featured image

A comforting and easy kielbasa bean stew perfect for busy weeknights, combining smoky sausage with tender beans and vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the kielbasa into 1/4-inch rounds, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on both sides, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove the browned kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
  4. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Stir in smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices gently.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and drained beans. Stir to combine.
  8. Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and add the bay leaf.
  9. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Brown the kielbasa well to lock in smoky flavor. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust salt carefully as kielbasa and broth can be salty. Let stew cool completely before freezing for batch cooking. Reheat gently with added broth if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa stew, bean stew, easy dinner, weeknight meal, batch cooking, smoky sausage, comfort food